Daywalker chronicles com.., p.68
Daywalker Chronicles Complete Series Boxed Set, page 68
As the last of the Babylonian soldiers retreated, I knew we couldn’t afford to waste any more time. “All right, everyone,” I called out, trying to sound as authoritative as possible. “We need to keep moving. The longer we wait, the more time they have to regroup and come back even stronger.”
Alexander’s eyes scanned the battlefield for any remaining threats. “Sienna’s right. Let’s use our newfound friends here—” he gestured toward the were-gators and snakes “—and make a move on New Babylon.”
“Can these were-gators understand me?” I asked Ennigaldi.
Ennigaldi nodded. “They’re not likely to engage in any in-depth philosophical discourse or participate in strategy sessions, but they can understand basic commands.”
“All right, you scaly beauties,” I shouted toward the creatures, hoping they would understand me. “You’ve been a great help so far, but we need you to take us to New Babylon. Can you do that?”
The largest were-gator let out a guttural growl and nodded its massive head. Its sharp-toothed grin sent shivers down my spine, but if it was willing to help, who was I to complain?
“Perfect.” I forced a smile. “Then let’s go!”
As we approached the city, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and dread. We couldn’t see what waited for us behind the walls. It was one thing to fight against an army of soldiers outside of their walls. It was another thing to move the battle onto their home turf—especially since Nebuchadnezzar was there, and a pantheon that might have his back. The vision I had before made me wonder—if we kicked enough Babylonian ass and took their unpronounceable names, would they shift allegiance like they did in the past? We couldn’t count on it.
CHAPTER TEN
I led our ragtag army toward the entrance of New Babylon. The hissing of snakes and the low growls of the were-gators created an eerie symphony to accompany our march through the swamp. I knew these creatures were supposed to be obedient, manufactured by Ennigaldi’s strange magic, but when you’re standing in a crowd of semi-intelligent alligators that walk on two feet and a slithering brood of venomous snakes that might have put Eve’s nemesis to shame, it’s hard to suppress the heebie-jeebies.
I raised my hand for attention. “All right, everyone. We’ve come this far together, and I know we have what it takes to bring Nebuchadnezzar down. Let’s make sure he never threatens the world again.”
A chorus of affirmations, snarls, and hisses rang out from my army of unlikely allies as we approached the looming gate. It wasn’t just that I was standing with were-gators and snakes. The Van Helsings were probably the least likely of all the group to be a part of our army. They’d spent their lives hunting “monsters” like us. Still, they’d proven themselves trustworthy—at least so long as we faced a common foe.
Power radiated from the ancient stones, beckoning me closer. With a deep breath, I took the first step forward, crossing the threshold into New Babylon.
As soon as my foot hit the ground, a searing pain ripped through my body, as if I’d walked straight into an invisible wall of fire. A powerful magical barrier slammed into place, separating me from my friends and our army with a resounding crack like thunder.
“Sienna!” Dylan growled out, his clawed hands swiping against the barrier. His words were muffled by the force field surrounding me.
“For fuck’s sake!” I shouted back, though I doubted they could hear me. It was just as well—it wasn’t like my curse provided them with any actionable direction.
My mind raced, desperately searching for a way to break through the barrier and reunite with my team. I tried a blast of my lunar power to ill effect. I touched my brooch, but nothing happened—something about this place prevented me from going astral.
The barrier pulsed with energy until the image of my friends was replaced with nothing but darkness. “What the hell…”
Getting through the barrier was clearly out of the question. It dawned on me that the enemy’s city—and probably its armies—were behind me.
I forced myself to turn around to survey my surroundings. New Babylon stretched out before me, a stunning architectural marvel of gleaming metal and polished stone. My eyes were drawn to the towering ziggurat at the city’s center, each level gilded and adorned with intricate carvings. The streets buzzed with the sounds of life—but I saw no one.
“Welcome!” came a familiar voice from behind me. I whirled, ready for a fight. There stood Nebuchadnezzar, smirking down at me from his lofty height. I wasn’t sure why, but he seemed taller in his own city. His eyes glinted with malicious amusement. He’d probably been watching me the entire time.
He bowed. “Sienna. Welcome to my humble domain. I’ve been expecting you.”
“Humble, my ass!” I huffed.
Nebuchadnezzar smirked. “Fair enough. This place is worthy of pride! It’s quite marvelous, is it not?”
“About as marvelous as a hemorrhoid.” My fear was quickly transforming into anger. “You won’t get away with this, you know. My friends will find a way through that barrier, and when they do, we’ll put an end to your twisted scheme once and for all.”
“Your optimism is truly adorable,” Nebuchadnezzar replied, chuckling softly. “But I’m afraid it’s misplaced. You see, I knew you would come here eventually, so I took the liberty of preparing a little…surprise for your arrival. Your friends are quite resourceful, I admit, but they won’t be able to penetrate the barrier.”
“But your little magic trick won’t hold me for long. I’ve faced bigger and badder foes than you, and I’ve always come out on top.”
I clenched my fists. I tried to use my lunar power to shift into bat form. The walls were tall, but maybe the barrier that held me in was only at the gate. Maybe I could fly out of this damned place. My powers didn’t respond. I relied on the only ability I knew I had left and dove at Nebuchadnezzar with my fangs exposed, and bit his neck.
My fangs didn’t penetrate his skin. It was like biting into a rock. I stepped back, rubbing my jaw.
“Is that all you have?” he taunted. “I must say, I expected more from the legendary daywalker. You know, the one who boasts of having defeated gods!”
“Shut up,” I growled, gritting my teeth as I tried to think of another plan of attack. But no matter how I racked my brain, I couldn’t find a solution.
“Very well,” Nebuchadnezzar’s voice was cold as steel. “If you insist on playing the stubborn fool, so be it. But remember, Sienna—you are completely alone here. Your friends cannot help you, and your powers are useless against me. You can wander the city all you like, but you won’t be able to harm it or anyone here. They are shrouded from your view, though you are not shrouded from them. I’d hate to think that some of them might have a grudge against you. What is that little trick you like to use where you go invisible? Looks to me like the tables have turned.”
He turned his back on me, striding away with the confidence of a man who knows he’s already won, and my stomach sank. “Fine!” I shot back. “What the hell do you want?”
“How about we take a walk?”
“You trapped me here so we could go on a stroll? What’s your game, here, Nebby?”
The king chuckled. “It’s not a game. Though, I wish you wouldn’t call me that.”
“Call you Nebby? Why not, Nebby?”
Nebuchadnezzar narrowed his eyes. “You really are insufferable.”
I took a deep breath and forced myself to manufacture a disingenuous smile. “All right, Nebby. If I don’t have a choice, then I might as well learn something while I’m here. Show me your damned city.”
“Ah, excellent,” he replied, his grin widening. “You’ll find that New Babylon is truly a marvel of civilization. Come, let us begin our tour.” He gestured grandly before leading me down one of the city’s wide boulevards.
As much as I hated to admit it, New Babylon was breathtaking. Its streets were paved with lustrous blue stones that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight, and every building we passed was an architectural masterpiece. I couldn’t help but admire the craftsmanship, even as I silently vowed to bring it all crashing down around Nebuchadnezzar’s ears.
“Behold,” Nebuchadnezzar announced proudly as we entered a vast plaza. “The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, restored to their former glory.”
“Wow,” I muttered half sarcastically, but admittedly betraying my amazement. The sight was genuinely astonishing—lush greenery cascaded from towering terraces, creating a verdant waterfall that flowed over gleaming white walls. It was like stepping into paradise, albeit one run by a megalomaniacal madman.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Nebuchadnezzar was clearly pleased with my reaction. “But this is only the beginning. Let us continue.”
As we walked, Nebuchadnezzar regaled me with tales of Babylon’s achievements—advances in magic, science, and technology that the modern world had long forgotten. I had to admit that it was impressive, but there was no way I’d ever be swayed to join him—if that’s what he was after.
Nebuchadnezzar stopped before an enormous library. “This is where we store the collected knowledge of my empire’s achievements. It is said that within these walls lies the answer to every question a seeker might pose.”
“Every question?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “How about this one? How do I kick your ass?”
“Your wit is charming,” he replied, unamused. “But your question is as foolish as it is futile. You will learn in time that there is no defeating me—not within the walls of New Babylon.”
“We’ll see about that,” I murmured as we continued our tour.
He showed me the city’s vibrant markets, filled with exotic goods from every corner of the ancient world: the grand palace, where he once entertained visiting dignitaries and held court over his subjects, and the awe-inspiring ziggurat at the heart of the city, its steps ascending toward the heavens.
Throughout it all, Nebuchadnezzar seemed to grow more and more confident, apparently convinced that I was on the verge of succumbing to his charm and joining his side. But the truth was, I was simply biding my time, watching for any hint of weakness I could exploit.
“New Babylon is truly a wonder, isn’t it?” He beamed like a proud parent.
I forced a smile. “Sure. It’s a real peach. But you know what they say: all good things must come to an end.”
His eyes narrowed slightly. “Indeed. Things like your precious America. A good thing, I suppose, for what it once was. But alas, it will soon meet its end. I suspect, from what I’ve learned in the short time since we arrived, in many ways its goodness had waned for decades.”
I grunted in defiance, though, after the conversation I’d had with President Brandon before, including his unwillingness to do what had to be done for the sake of politics, I couldn’t find it within me to argue to the contrary.
The tour continued, and the king led me into the heart of an extravagant garden, with lush greenery and vibrant flowers as far as the eye could see. The air was thick with the scent of jasmine and honeysuckle, making me momentarily forget the perilous situation I was in. Nebuchadnezzar gestured grandly at the horticultural masterpiece around us.
“Behold, Sienna, the very essence of life, nurtured by our own hands here in New Babylon.” A smug smile played on his lips. “Is it not a testament to the power and potential of this great city?”
“Sure,” I drawled, unimpressed. “Babylon must boast of the finest gardeners in history. I’m shaking in my boots.”
“Ah, ever the wit, my dear. But I assure you, there is nothing fragile about New Babylon. It’s as solid as the ancient stones upon which it stands.”
“Solid like your ego?” I quipped, scanning our surroundings for any signs of weakness or a potential escape route. A fountain, its water dancing gracefully in the sunlight, caught my eye. I wondered about its water supply. The swamp waters were murky. The fountain’s water glistened in the light that radiated through the place—despite it being the middle of the night—and was crystal clear.
“Your defiance is amusing but ultimately futile,” Nebuchadnezzar chided, his frustration beginning to show. “I have no desire to keep these marvels to myself. I hope to replicate New Babylon throughout your world, to change your smog and traffic-filled cities into marvels such as this!”
I grunted. “How noble of you.”
“I am not a villain!” Nebuchadnezzar insisted. “I am your savior! All the people must do to receive the benefits of these wonders is honor our gods and acknowledge my rule!”
I rolled my eyes. “Right, convert to your religion and give up their freedom. Not a small ask, at all.”
“I’m a patient king. I’ve existed in the void for thousands of years by your reckoning, for millions by mine given the passing of time in my heaven.”
“That’s good to know. You’ll find that the people of this world won’t be so patient when they learn of your intentions.”
Nebuchadnezzar sighed. “We’ll just have to see about that, won’t we?”
I grunted. “Over my undead body!”
“Don’t tempt me,” Nebuchadnezzar snapped. “I’d rather it not come to that.”
Nebuchadnezzar led me down a narrow path toward a small, unassuming door hidden among the foliage. With a dramatic flourish, he produced an ornate key, unlocking the door and revealing a steep, winding staircase that descended into darkness. My instincts screamed at me to flee, but when I took a step back I felt the force of a host of invisible hands pushing me forward.
“Your soldiers?”
“There are more surrounding you than you could count. This way, Sienna.”
“My heart sings in elation,” I jested. “I’ve got nothing but joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart.”
“Where?” Nebuchadnezzar asked.
“Down in my heart!”
He was clearly unfamiliar with the Sunday school song. “Welcome to the depths of New Babylon, my dear. Perhaps it’s time you got a taste of the shadows that lurk beneath this shining city.”
“Wow, Nebby.” I feigned cheerfulness, though my heart pounded in my chest. “A secret dungeon? How original. What’s next, a maniacal laugh and a monologue about your evil plans?”
“Your sarcasm will not save you, Sienna,” he warned, his eyes darkening. “But perhaps a little time alone in the darkness will help you see the light.”
He gestured for me to descend the stairs first, and with no other choice before me, I reluctantly complied.
The air grew colder and more oppressive as we descended deeper into the dungeon, a stark contrast to the vibrant city above. My footsteps echoed through the narrow corridor. My breaths were shallow and uneasy against the damp stone walls. Nebuchadnezzar walked close behind me, his presence like a dark cloud that threatened to suffocate me.
“Ah, here we are,” he announced, stopping at the entrance of a small cell, its rusted bars giving off an eerie creak as he pushed them open. “Your new accommodations.”
“Five-star rating, I’m sure.” I couldn’t resist throwing some sarcasm his way, even as fear clawed at my insides. “You know, I’ve always wanted to stay in a medieval torture chamber. How did you know?”
“Charming as ever, Sienna. Now step inside.”
I took a step back. “I’m not going in there.”
No sooner did I speak than someone invisible shoved me from behind. I stumbled into the cell and Nebuchadnezzar swung an iron gate shut, trapping me inside.
“You’ll see the wisdom in submitting to my authority after some time alone with your thoughts.”
“How long are you going to leave me in here?” I asked. “There’s no point to this!”
Nebuchadnezzar laughed as he walked away. “I already told you, I’m a patient king.”
With one last smirk, he turned and disappeared down the dimly lit corridor.
“Wait! Nebuchadnezzar!” I yelled, gripping the bars tightly. But he was gone, leaving me trapped in the darkness.
“Great.” I sank to the floor.
As the reality of my situation settled around me like a shroud, I felt the first stirrings of despair. How was I supposed to fight an enemy I couldn’t touch? How could I save my friends when I was completely powerless?
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The chill of the stone floor seeped through my clothes, wrapping itself around me like a malevolent lover. My head throbbed. I didn’t suffer many wounds in the battle, and the blood loss was minimal, but fighting that hard used up most of my sustenance. An overwhelming thirst clawed at my throat, leaving me disoriented and weak.
“Damn it,” I whispered. My voice was barely audible in the cold, dank cell that held me captive. It was clear that I needed blood, and soon, if I wanted any chance at escaping this hellhole.
“Focus, Sienna.” I struggled to sit up. “What the hell? Am I resorting to conversation with myself? You’ve only been in here a couple hours, at most. Get it together!”
I shifted and felt a familiar weight in my pocket. “My phone!”
To my surprise, it still had a little power, just barely enough to function—and the 5G icon in the corner suggested I had service.
“Thank you, gods of technology.” I pressed the device to my chest in gratitude. This was my lifeline, my one shot at contacting my team, and I couldn’t let it slip through my fingers—especially not with a battery that seemed to be on its last legs.
I mustered what little strength I had left. “All right Sienna. Time’s running out. Let’s make this count.”
I began to navigate the phone’s interface and couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of my situation: a vampire, trapped in a Babylonian dungeon, resorting to the trusty powers of modern communication. Nebuchadnezzar had learned a lot about our world in a short time, but it would take years for him to understand to the full extent what advantages our technology offered.
“If this doesn’t end up in some urban fantasy novel, I’ll be sorely disappointed.”
